Architectural Repairs of the Small Limestone Buildings on the Athenian Acropolis in the Archaic Period Chapter

In ancient Greece, the construction of a temple was an expensive undertaking. The cost to quarry, transport, and dress the stone blocks was significant and there were many opportunities for damage. Building inscriptions from the 4th century BC inform us that blocks were inspected upon arrival in the sanctuary, and officials could levy fines and require repair to, or replacement of, pieces that were damaged.¹ Archaeological excavations provide us with examples of architectural elements that have been damaged and repaired during their functional lifespan.² In the late 19th century, excavators on the Athenian Acropolis discovered fragments of sculpture, architecture, inscriptions,